President Obama announces Joe Biden to lead gun control reform after shooting

by root shed

In the latest news update regarding the horrific events from the Connecticut shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school, President Obama announced on Dec. 19, 2012, that Vice President Joe Biden would lead an interagency unit on gun control reform. President Obama has been a visible presence in Newtown, Connecticut since the deadly events of Dec. 14, 2012, left the community and the entire nation grief stricken. Authorities believe that 20-year-old Adam Lanza gunned down his mother Nancy Lanza before taking her car and driving to the Sandy Hook school and opening fire on 26 people including 20 children and 6 adults. The tragedy has sparked demands for gun control and President Obama has vowed to take action.

President Obama stated, “Over these past five days, a discussion has reemerged as to what we might do not only to deter mass shootings in the future, but to reduce the epidemic of gun violence that plagues this country every single day. And it’s encouraging that people of all different backgrounds and beliefs and political persuasions have been willing to challenge some old assumptions and change longstanding positions. That conversation has to continue. But this time, the words need to lead to action.”

Showing his seriousness that action is taken swiftly, President Obama laid out a timeline and said that Biden and the interagency task force will report back to him by January with policy plans. He also stated that he wants Congress to ensure they take quick action on the issue.

While President Obama has addressed the issue, gun sales of assault weapons have spiked across the nation. Also, some cities are offering gun buybacks and taking more weapons off the street. The moves show how politically divided the nation is when it comes to gun control.

What do you think about gun control? Are you in favor of stricter laws?

You may view photos from President Obama’s Dec. 16, 2012 visit to Newtown, Connecticut where he spoke at an interfaith vigil for the shooting victims in the slideshow player above.